Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip-Hop

Don’t Blame the World, It’s the DJ’s Fault! In this course be in the mix of the history of Hip-Hop — learn what it takes to be a DJ from the creators of Hip-Hop: The Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee DJ Kool Herc and The First Lady of Hip-Hop Cindy Campbell.

Artists will learn how songs speak to each other and put together a DJ mix that represents a multitude of their identities. Learn the art of mixing, crate digging, selecting, and playing music using professional DJ controllers and software. Explore the elements of Hip-Hop in a historical context that also activates a contemporary intergenerational lens for the love of music. Build on active listening skills and improvisation to create an original DJ set that gets the crowd jumping.

The summer will close with a listening party that plays back the sets created by the emerging DJs.

Pre-requisites: No prior experience required. We encourage all passionate music lovers to apply. Students will be asked shortly after enrollment to submit an application form for entry into the class.